In addition to the basic model on the "Matador" chassis several armored vehicles for different purposes were created. The first of them was an armored personnel carrier Dorchester. This APC was created in 1940 by installing on the "Matador" chassis a big armored wagon body with 10-12 mm armor. The name Dorchester the transporter had received the honor of one of London's hotels. Firstly Dorchester planned to produce in four variants: as a staff car (ACV), truck of engineers-sappers (ADV), mines installer (AML) and an armored personnel carrier (APC). In 1941, the first variant was chosen as a basic (AEC Dorchester Armored Command Vehicle) - a large amount of body was perfect for such purpose. Sometimes this truck calls the Armored Command Vehicle AEC 4x4 Mk I. It had a weight 12.2 tons and produced in two versions: the first - with radio systems for long distances (HP), the second - for the near (LP). Crew was 7-8 people. The first APC arrived to British military units in North Africa in 1941 and worked at headquarters. In Africa, three of these armored vehicles were captured by the Germans, while one of them was used as a personal staff car of General Rommel. In 1943, 7 trucks were sent to the Australian army. On a territory of the green continent they were used until 1955. British "Dorchesters", probability, also were in operational condition after the War. In the engineering units another variant was used - AEC Dorchester Armored Demolition Vehicle. Compressors and jack hammers were inside this body. Two vehicles the British used as an APC. Total since 1941, 416 Dorchesters were made.

does any one know how many of these are still about and how many are in the uk. i have only heard of 5 world wide. there must be more of these out there. i purchased one 2 years ago from a showman . it had been standing in there yard for 35 years and took us an hour to have it running. most of the back is cut off and the cab has been cut to make it easy for the driver to see.its 1944 chassis no 0853-4385

Ian Rands

2013-01-13 02:44:52

I'm not sure how many of these still survive but i am in the process of creating a pictorial database of surviving 'Matador' 0853(4x4) & 0854(6x6) vehicles.I would welcome any additional information that you could give me on your vehicle or any others that you may know of so that they can be entered into my records.

would like info on setting timing on 1925 American LaFrance-12. 6 cylinder in line engine. Has Magneto and distributor. Where should the advance lever be positioned for setting timing? How many degree of timing does the engine require 34, 36, 38 degrees Before Top Dead Center. Should the engine be started with any of the compression valves opened? Need this info for a Christmas parade in Titusville, Fl. Thanks for any help. Richard Burns, fire Chief's father in law.